East Lansing family celebrates roof solar panels made possible by Inflation Reduction Act
Ann Siegle said the new home upgrade has already cut her family’s electric bills in half.
An East Lansing family celebrated the installation of new solar panels on the roof of their home with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 5, alongside Michigan lawmakers and climate advocates.
Ann and George Siegle’s new solar panels were made possible by a 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act and a solar rebate from the Lansing Board of Water and Light.
The solar panels aren’t something they would normally be able to afford, Ann said. Their household uses a lot of power throughout the day — on top of using household appliances like the washing machine, refrigerator and dishwasher, Ann and George both work from home, and their two children are connected to several devices at a time. Ann said that now that her home is using clean energy, they’ve seen their energy bills cut in half.
“We are super, super happy that the federal tax credit was available to us because it enabled us to do this job,” she said. “And that’s it. For our kids’ future, for Michigan’s future, for the future of our country and our planet, that’s what we do.”
The IRA, which President Joe Biden signed into law in 2022, has been called the most significant legislation in U.S. history to address the climate crisis. It is intended to lower energy costs for households and businesses, create manufacturing jobs, and reduce the negative effects of climate change.
Since the enactment of the IRA, Michigan has become a national leader in clean energy manufacturing. According to the strategic communications organization Climate Power, the state has secured 62 new clean energy projects, generated more than $26 billion in investments and created over 21,000 jobs.
In 2023, more than 117,000 Michigan families claimed over $134 million in tax credits available under the IRA, Internal Revenue Service data shows. In addition to solar panels, the tax credits can be used to purchase other energy-efficient technology, such as heat pumps and insulation materials for doors and windows.
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow said that the Siegles’ use of the IRA credits is a tangible example of how effective policy is making a positive change in the lives of Americans.
“What Ann and George are doing, their commitment, is part of what I see as the win, win, win of all of this: more good-paying jobs, lower costs for people, and less pollution. And that’s the strategy we want to carry forward,” Stabenow said at the ribbon cutting. She pointed to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that IRA investments will reduce the nation’s carbon emissions by 40% by 2030.
East Lansing Democratic state Sen. Sam Singh and state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou also attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. In the state Legislature, they supported clean energy legislation that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law last year. Among the new laws’ provisions is a mandate that the state move away from fossil fuels and use 100% renewable energy from nuclear, solar or wind projects by 2040.
Tseneroglou said it’s going to take everyone getting on board with renewable energy to create a healthier future for Michiganders.
“It is my sincerest hope that more residents here in East Lansing, across Michigan, and around the country will take the time to learn more about the valuable tax credits available through the Inflation Reduction Act and take advantage of the benefits they reap for themselves and our environment to positively impact climate change,” Tsernoglou said.
